Salt and pepper shaker



J. GALLO ET AL SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER Sept. 21 1926.

Filed Dec. 20, 1924 Patented Sept. 21, 1926.

JOHN GALLO, OF REVERE, AN D JESSE B. ROLLINS, 0F EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS;

SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER.

Application filed December 20, 1924. Serial No. 757,183.

This invention relates to that class of condiment containers wherein a receptacle is provided with an intermediate partition for separating salt at one side from pepper at the other, each compartment being supplied with perforations through which the contents can be expelled, and with means for closing at will the perforations at either side.

Our invention relates particularly to the means for closing either set .of perforations; also to the means for partitioning the container, and for filling the same; and to various details in the construction of the same.

In the drawings forming part of this specification, Fig. l is a perspective view of a salt and pepper shaker embodying our improvements. Fig. 2 is a top view of the same. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line 33 in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a verticalsection on the line 4-4 in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the closing device or flap- Fig. 6 is an edge view of the same. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one of the socket members for the flap.

We prefer to make the body 1 of the container polygonal in horizontal section in or der that the partition 2 may be fitted tightly therein, and to have the general shape of the container a truncated pyramid, in order the more readily to stamp the same fromsheet metal, and, for the same reason, to have the top 3 integral, and the bottom 4. removable.

The perforations 5 through the top 3 are of different sizes at opposite sides of the partition to accommodate the salt and pepper, and one-half of these perforations are closed at will by means of a flap 6 hinged to the top 3 at one edge located parallel with the upper edge of the partition 2.

Our preferable means for thus holding the flap 6 consists of an integral lug 7 at each end confined to the top by small straps 9 riveted or otherwise fastened to the top. As shown in Fig. 5, each lug 7 is widened at its extremity, and each strap member 9 is formed with an overhung resilient finger 10 disposed to press upon the widened portion 11 of the lug therein. By this means, the flap is snugly and resiliently pressed down .upon whichever side of the top it is swung to, thereby reventing the escape of the condiment in t e compartment below.

To aid in changing the flap from one side to the other, we prefer to have its edge 12 5 shouldered outward and rendered circular in order to permit of screw threads 13 being formed thereat to permit a cover 14: to be screwed thereon. To the center of the cover or bottom 14. is pivoted at its midlength a clip 17 for the reception of the lower edge of the partition 2, and by means of which the salt and pepper are prevented from intermixing thereat. The clip is pivoted to the bottom as described in order to allow the latter to screw onto the container after its chp has engaged the partition. We also prefer to have the partition 2 slightly long so that 1ts ends will be pressed tightly against the top 3 and into the clip 17 for the purpose of preventing the passage of the condiments from side to side.-

In using this device, the container is turned upside down; the bottom unscrewed; salt introduced into one compartment and pepper into the other; the bottom. screwed firmly on; and the device reversed. If salt is desired, the flap 6 is snapped over upon the perforations above the pepper, and the contamer shaken over the food in the usual way. If pepper is wanted, the flap is snapped over upon the salt-side, and shaken upside down as before.

Should for any reason the spring fingers 10 give out, and fail to hold the flap in place,

the latter can be handily held down by the thumb while the device is being tipped up and shaken.

Vhat we claim as our invention is: The combination with a holder having a partition dividing it into two compartments,

of a flap centrally hinged thereon, the hinge compr sing a lug at each end of the flap, the top of the container having straps for receiving said lugs, one of the lugs having fiat surfaces, and the strap containing it having a resilient finger pressing thereon,

whereby the flap is resiliently pressed down upon the container at each side of the hinge. In testimony that we claim the foregoing invention, we have hereunto set our hands this 18th day of December, 1924.

JOHN GALLO.

JESSE B. ROLLINS. 

